NEWS
FCT, Lagos, Ogun Communities Ignore Lockdown Order
Residents of some communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Ogun and Lagos states on Sunday violated the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari’ s ( retd. ) lockdown order .
On Saturday and Sunday, our correspondents in the FCT observed that although there was compliance with the order within the Abuja metropolis , residents of its suburbs , who cited hunger , went out contrary to the government ’ s directive .
In Ogun State , the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako- Oyedele , in a statement on Sunday, decried the level of compliance in the Ado -Odo /Ota Local Government Area .
Residents of Lagos areas such as Iyana -Ipaja , Ketu and Alapare cited hunger for violating the lockdown.
The President had , in a nationwide broadcast on February 29, imposed 14- day lockdown on the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states to curb the spread of COVID- 19 cases, which increased to 232 on Sunday.
Security men disperse traders at Kuje market
In the FCT , security personnel consisting of the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps officials chased away traders from Kuje market in the Kuje Area Council on Sunday.
One of our correspondents, who was in the area between 2pm and 3pm, observed that while the market was locked , traders displayed their goods at its entrance .
On sighting the security men, some traders took to their heels and abandoned their wares which included clothes , food and cosmetics .
However , the security men were civil with those who had the courage to stay behind . They appealed to the traders to respect the sit- at – home order .
A barber, who gave his name simply as Tunde, was working in his shop not far away from the market .
He told The PUNCH that security men regularly patrolled the area to enforce the order.
He said , “ The security officials, especially policemen, have been coming here very often. Some of them insist that I close my shop , but others allow me after convincing them that mine is an essential service . ”
Okada riders defy lockdown order in Kubwa
Commercial motorcycle riders , popularly known as okada in Kubwa , one of the major satellite towns in Abuja , defied the lockdown.
Okada riders were seen in most of the streets in Kubwa on Sunday, as they moved passengers from one location to another .
On the Arab Road , Byazhim, Kubwa Village Market , among other areas, for instance, the riders transported passengers who patronised them.
On why he was not obeying the lockdown , a rider , Umar Gambo , told one of our correspondents that it “ was difficult” for him to stay indoor continuously because he needed to fend for his family.
The rate of compliance in Bwari on Sunday was not as high as it was when the lockdown started last week.
One of our correspondents, who went around Bwari between 1pm and 2pm, observed that many shops, markets , filling stations and pharmacies were opened .
Unlike the first two days when the roads were almost empty, there were movements of vehicles and commercial motorcycles .
Taxi drivers devise means of flouting order
Taxi drivers in the FCT , particularly in the Dei- Dei and Zuba areas, started work on Sunday
The PUNCH observed many taxi drivers resorted to wearing face masks and conveyed three passengers on the back seats, while squeezing two others in front .
In Zuba , it was observed that the drivers had increased their fares . It was gathered that they bribed policemen in order to operate, particularly from late afternoon and evening .
“ We cannot stay at home . We have to eat . We should wear face masks. I think that is enough. Some of the policemen are cooperative . They also understand that we cannot survive without working, ” a driver, Sanni Ahmed, said .
Hunger preventing us from observing lockdown – Lagos residents
Residents of communities in Lagos State told The PUNCH that hunger was responsible for their noncompliance with the lockdown .
While some residents observed the stay – home- order, others, including commercial motorists, were seen flouting the directive. They cited different reasons including hunger and illnesses when accosted by law enforcement agents.
When asked why she decided to disobey the stay – home directive , one Iya Rukayat , a bag seller in Ketu , said hunger prompted her to display her bags for sale. She added that she fed her family from her daily income.
She said , “ At first , I observed the order, but it got to a point that there was no money to feed my family, so I had to come out to sell my bags. I just started displaying my goods this morning and I have not made any sale . I cannot just stay at home when my family is hungry .”
Speaking on condition of anonymity, another resident of the Alapere, said she had not benefitted from the foodstuffs donated by state government .
At Berger, Iyana -Ipaja . Igando, Iba, Iyana- Iba and Mile 2, motorcyclists , ( Okada); tricyclists ( Keke ) and traders were seen working without being disturbed by security men .
Ogun street urchins, cultists defy lockdown
In Ogun State, street urchins, cultists and some traders defied the sit-at – home order.
The lockdown, which commenced in the state on Friday night, recorded substantial compliance in many parts , but some residents of Sango – Ota and Ewekoro did not stay at home
Some miscreants in Ota defied the restriction of movement in the area while scrambling for foodstuffs donated by the state government .
An eye witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the miscreants besieged the Ado -Odo / Ota Local Government headquarters following an announcement that foodstuffs would be shared in the place.
According to the source , the miscreants ran amok when they failed to get their share of the foodstuffs .
The deputy governor , in a statement by her press officer, Seun Boye, frowned upon the poor level of compliance by some residents of the local government area.
She was said to be on an assessment of the Ado – Odo / Ota and the Yewa South Local Government areas.
She said , “ On the violators, I have met with Ota Area ( police ) commander on my way and let me reiterate that the law must be obeyed and nobody would be spared.
“ We will also continue to engage our law enforcement agencies to make sure that they support us to be able to achieve our mission. ”
Also, the cultists in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state defied the restriction of movements in the area when they clashed.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, while confirming the incident , said the cultists made a mess of the order.
He said the clash between two rival groups claimed one life. He added that four people had been arrested.
Source:- Punch ng
The Nigerian entertainment scene is set for another exciting celebration of music and emerging talent as G Sound Studio presents the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026, an event designed to discover, showcase, and support the next generation of music stars.
With its focus on discovering talent and providing practical creative opportunities, the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026 invites aspiring musicians to step forward and showcase what they can offer.
For artists seeking a platform to perform, build connections, and pursue greater recognition, the event could be an opportunity to put their talent in the spotlight.
Interested participants and attendees should contact the organizers directly to confirm registration requirements, prize conditions, and other event details ahead of the festival.
Organized under the theme “Where Talent Meets the Spotlight,” the festival aims to provide aspiring musicians with an opportunity to showcase their abilities, connect with the entertainment community, and take a step toward greater visibility in the Nigerian music industry.
One of the major highlights of the Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt is its talent competition, which offers opportunities for participants to compete for first, second, and third-place prizes.
According to the event promotional materials, winners can look forward to valuable career-support opportunities, including free studio sessions, free music production, free music promotion, and a free video shoot.
These opportunities could help upcoming artists improve their sound, strengthen their musical identity, and gain exposure as they work toward building sustainable music careers.
The event also encourages aspiring performers to take advantage of the platform to demonstrate their creativity, stage presence, originality, and musical potential.
Registration Details and Participationd 👇
Interested talents are invited to register for the competition. The advertised registration fee is ₦10,000.
Prospective participants are encouraged to contact the organizers through the official social media handles or the WhatsApp contact provided on the event flyer to obtain the registration form and confirm the participation requirements.
Registration and enquiries:
- Instagram: @dmartin_opchial
- Instagram: @gsoundoftheyearstudio
- WhatsApp: +234 902 195 7914
- Email: Dmartinprobeat@gmail.com
Beyond the talent hunt, the festival is expected to bring together music lovers, performers, creatives, and entertainment enthusiasts for an evening of live performances and networking.
The event flyer lists several performing artists, including Ovuemax, Mohyen, Sanny Gee, Kushflow 15, Diago, Evron Diver, Milli Moree, Pehgy, Sherico, Egbebomo, Younglucki, and Dmartinpro.
The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM, while the main show is scheduled for 8:00 PM.
With a combination of emerging performers, a competitive talent showcase, and music industry opportunities, the festival is positioning itself as a platform for aspiring artists looking to take their next step.
Event Details At A Glance 👇
- Event: Lagos Next Star Music Festival & Talent Hunt 2026
- Presented by: G Sound Studio
- Date: Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Red carpet: 6:00 PM
- Main show: 8:00 PM
- Venue: De City Lounge, 108 Badore Road, opposite Regal Star School, Badore, Ajah, Lagos
- Registration fee: ₦10,000, as advertised
- Talent hunt prizes: First, second and third-place prizes, with additional creative opportunities advertised for winners
Stay connected to Blow Naija Media for more entertainment news, music updates, artist features, and events from across Nigeria.
Rising Nigerian Afro-Pop artist Emmanuel Oghenekevwe, widely known as Emerson and now requesting to be addressed as Emersonnoni, has released a fresh set of promotional photographs ahead of his next musical project.
The visuals mark a confident step forward for the Ughelli South, Delta State native, who has been steadily building momentum since the February 2026 release of his single Ask Of Emerson (featuring Snazzygrin).
That track, produced by Gluck Beatz and written by Oghene Kevwe Emmanuel, showcased his blend of Afro-Pop energy, storytelling, and contemporary Nigerian sound.
With the new promo images, Emersonnoni appears to be setting the tone for a more defined personal brand.
MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY
Utibe Utuk
All is set to host a gathering of artists,innovators,creative entrepreneurs,young talents,students and industry professionals as the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 takes center stage.
The event, which brings together diverse voices and ideas around art,technology,culture and the future of the creative economy is scheduled for Friday,September 25th from 4pm,toprovide a platform for participants to connect,share ideas,showcase their creativity and explore emerging opportunities at the intersection of art,innovation and technology at Ibom LED Centre.
A major feature of the gathering will be the official launch of The Moeisha Foundation,an initiative focused on empowering young women and fresh school leavers with creative skills and opportunities in digital entrepreneurship.
The foundation is expected to provide opportunities for young people to develop practical skills,discover their creative potential and explore sustainable pathways within the growing digital economy.
Beyond the celebration of creative expression,the MOEISHA Creative Experience is designed to promote networking,collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants from different areas of the creative industry.
The event will take place at Ibom LED,Ibom E-Library,Ibb Way,Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,with free entry for participants. Artists,students,young entrepreneurs,industry professionals and lovers of culture are expected to attend the gathering.
Some of the speakers and panelists to grace the event are Mandu Akpekong (Public Speaker), Sukmama Akpanusong (Tech Entrepreneur),Utonne Ekefre (CEO Latonne Signature) and Emmanuel Udosen (CEO Coddatech Nigeria Ltd), with performances by Udo Mariam, Psc Ben, Ferric Wondaz, Carlos Umoh and Evelyn Praiz to spice up the evening.
The convener,Mekmfonabasi Essien,an artist,creative visionary and curator,said in a chat with this reporter penultimate week that the event was conceived as an avenue to bring people together and create opportunities for meaningful connections within the creative space.
According to her,for a creative community like Uyo,which continues to explore new ways of turning talent and ideas into opportunities,the MOEISHA Creative Experience 2026 provides an avenue for participants to connect,create and discover new possibilities.
She called on young people in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring cities to take advantage of the gathering,describing it as a networking hub capable of opening doors for greater collaboration and creative partnerships.
#Inexperienced
#MOEISHAexperience2026
MUSIC4 weeks agoPrince Bankz Announces ₦300K “DEALER” Open Verse Challenge
- MUSIC4 weeks ago
Full EP: Ame. – Rhapsody Of Worship
- MUSIC4 weeks ago
JAX DeLaser Unveils “ESCUCHA (The Preacher)” Album
- MUSIC4 weeks ago
ALBUM: Jayvoice – Snow Album
- MUSIC3 weeks ago
Young GB – We Go
- MUSIC2 weeks ago
Bababellz – RAINBOW
- MUSIC3 weeks ago
Dremzee – Story
- Entertainment3 weeks ago
MAIDEN MOEISHA CREATIVE EXPERIENCE HOLDS THIS FRIDAY
You must be logged in to post a comment Login